Shortness of breath treatment

Treatment of shortness of breath in respiratory and lung diseases

• Respiratory tract or lung infections are treated with antibiotics, depending on the trigger. They do not help with viral infections.
• Bronchial asthma is treated with inhalations of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medication.
• In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medication is also used, combined with long-term home oxygen therapy depending on the case.
• A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and must be detected and treated quickly in order to dissolve the blood clot in the pulmonary vessel.
• For respiratory and lung tumors, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy are helpful, depending on the form.
• Certain diseases can cause a pleural effusion, which – depending on its size – we drain by means of a pleural puncture.

Treatment of shortness of breath in cardiovascular diseases

• Heart failure often requires inpatient treatment – including the administration of oxygen and diuretics and, depending on the cause, other medication.
• A heart attack with shortness of breath must be detected immediately and treated in hospital to remove the blockage in the heart artery.
• In the case of pericarditis, we mainly use anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication, as well as the active ingredient colchicine.
• Depending on the cause, myocarditis is treated either with antibiotics, with special antiviral drugs or with cortisone and other immunosuppressants.
• Heart valve diseases that cause shortness of breath often have to be repaired invasively with the help of heart specialists.
• There are special medications for high blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels, which are selected after specific investigations together with specialists.

Treatment of shortness of breath in other diseases

• In the case of anemia, the cause must be sought and treated.
• In the case of a metabolic disorder, the trigger must be identified and treated accordingly. The problem may lie with the kidneys, the endocrine glands or elsewhere.

What you should bear in mind

Unclear shortness of breath should always be clarified by a doctor as soon as possible; in the event of new, sudden shortness of breath, an emergency consultation with your family doctor or an emergency ward can be life-saving. Do not hesitate to contact a doctor!